oil consumption

Tarpman · May 8, 2012

I'm trying to figure out if I'm having a problem with my new engine. I have about 30,000 miles on my new engine. From day 1 I noticed it seem like It was using oil little by little I took it to the dealer they checked it out they did oil consumption test for about 6 weeks and they said it was fine a rep from ford said its normal for you to have to add about a quart of oil every 1000 miles. On my old engine that I had 276,000 miles on I never had to add oil in between oil changes and I went way too long between oil changes most of the time I just had to add a quart of oil this morning and I'm about 3 or 4000 miles overdo for an oil change should I worry about this? It has a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty the warranty started in august of 2011 and in 3 years I'll put over 100,000 miles on it. Also there's no leaks and it's not smoking like it's using oil. Need some advice. sorry for the long post

jrford · May 8, 2012

Tarpman said:
normal for you to have to add about a quart of oil every 1000 miles.

It has a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty the warranty started in august of 2011

I'd understand if it was a break in period, but no, normally it shouldn't lose any oil. Out of the factory either no. I've had maybe 2 engines rebuild and never have they lost oil afterwards. In fact one, a 2.8L straight six lost a quart every 1000miles but it had a cracked piston, after a rebuild no lose.

Since it seems like a warranty is very good. I'd might give it a few . . .

Exproblems · May 8, 2012

Tarpman said:
ford said its normal for you to have to add about a quart of oil every 1000 miles.>>>>>>>>>>>>

I'm no engine specialist by any means, but that sounds like a crock of Ford BS if you ask me. Normal to have to add 1 quart of new oil on a perfectly fine, newer motor every 1,000 miles? That is nuts! The only used engines I ever had to add an extra quart of oil to between normal oil changes in 35 years of driving, either had an oil leak some where on them or had a bad piston ring and burned oil.

>>>>>>>>>>>>I just had to add a quart of oil this morning and I'm about 3 or 4000 miles overdo for an oil change should I worry about this?>>>>>>>>>

I would worry about it if I were you because it is not normal to lose that much oil in that short of time/miles. Maybe take it to another shop and have them go thru the engine and do diagnostics and get a written receipt with their findings on it in case they find something wrong. Make sure the shop is a registered repair shop with your state. FYI, I wouldn't go 3-4,000 mile over due for your oil changes, especially with that Ford warranty on that engine. I'm sure some where in the fine print on that warranty it states the warranty is only good as long as you follow proper engine maintenance and that means regular, interval oil changes as required by Ford. Ford will make you show proof of oil change receipts with the mileage written on them when you had them done by an oil change shop or parts store receipts for oil change supplies with the date on them and you did the oil change yourself. What ever you do, do not tell them you went 4,000 miles over your last due oil change. They'll use that information against you to screw you out of that warranty and blame you for any engine damage that is causing that oil loss.

>>>>>>>>>>It has a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty the warranty started in august of 2011 and in 3 years I'll put over 100,000 miles on it.>>>>>>>>

According to what Ford said to you and the mileage you expect to put on it, you better go out and pick up an extra 100 quarts of oil, sounds like you will need it. I would think you are going to have to use that warranty soon. Good luck with that engine and dealing with Ford.

Tarpman · May 8, 2012

I knew it was bs, don't know why I even asked. The dealer said they need proof it was leaking by adding the dye, we'll I knew it wasn't leaking. So they needed proof it was using it. It's going somewhere. Talked to another dealer he said they would do the oil consumption test and then contact a ford engineer. He asked if the other dealer contacted ford and I told him no, he didn't understand why they didn't and just left me hanging

Exproblems · May 9, 2012

Tarpman said:
The dealer said they need proof it was leaking by adding the dye, we'll I knew it wasn't leaking.>>>>>>>>>>>

Exactly! External engine oil leaks always show themself either with oil spots on the side of the engine some where or on the ground underneath the truck where you park it each day.

>>>>>>>>>>>> Talked to another dealer he said they would do the oil consumption test and then contact a ford engineer. He asked if the other dealer contacted ford and I told him no, he didn't understand why they didn't and just left me hanging>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Is the first Ford dealership you took it to to check for the oil loss problem, the same place that installed that new engine? If yes, that might be why they didn't call a Ford engineer, because they know there is something wrong with the engine they installed and your oil loss problem could be related to the engine installation they did, and they didn't want to look like fools in the eyes of Ford headquarters. Was the new engine you got a rebuilt engine or a new, never used out of the crate motor right from Ford?

Tarpman · May 9, 2012

Yes the dealer I had taken it to is the dealership that installed the new engine as far as rebuilt or crate motor I think it was a crate motor they had ordered it from ford. Either way it was built by ford when the mechanic told me about having to add oil every 1000 miles or so I knew it was a bunch of bs I figured in that I would just go to another dealership and see what they could do for me I knew I would be okay because I have a 3 unlimited warranty I know the warranty doesn't make it okay I'm just tired of fighting with stores lately it seems like everytime you buy something now a days you don't get what you pay for I went to that dealership because my friend is the parts manager and he gave me a good deal on the engine he always takes good care of me on the parts and prices for those parts but now I have I'm going to have to get a new tranny sometime this year and he's going to give me a good deal on the tranny as far as price but I'm worried about having the work done there

Exproblems · May 9, 2012

Tarpman said:
I'm just tired of fighting with stores lately it seems like everytime you buy something now a days you don't get what you pay for>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I hear you! Too many businesses these days chasing the quick buck and good service and quality are a thing of the past.

>>>>>>>>>> I went to that dealership because my friend is the parts manager and he gave me a good deal on the engine he always takes good care of me on the parts and prices for those parts but now I have I'm going to have to get a new tranny sometime this year and he's going to give me a good deal on the tranny as far as price but I'm worried about having the work done there>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I also have a not-so close friend who has worked in the parts dept of a local Ford dealership near me for 30+ years. He has gotten greatly discounted parts for me in the past, but I don't like to call him up for a favor unless it is a big ticket item I need for my vehicle. To return the favors he had done for me on parts, I would hook him up with a few thousand rounds of ammo from time to time for his handguns. He owns several handguns and likes to go target shooting. He did save me a few hundred dollars once when I was at another Ford dealer getting my 1st gen Explorer worked on. I mentioned his name to the service manager at the other Ford dealership I was at, and he called over to this friend of mine to verify I knew him and a $500+ repair was suddenly dropped to a $200+ repair. It's amazing how much dealerships mark up the price for parts. Good luck with that tranny issue, very common problem on these Explorers. Mine was rebuilt last year with just 82k on the vehicle.

imp · May 10, 2012

My Oil Consumption

FWIW: I have owned and driven extensively, 3 Explorers, all V-6, first 2 OHV ('96, '99), 3rd SOHC, '04.

I believe all 3 had original, unopened engines. None used over a qt. of oil in 3-4000 miles, my change interval. The current SOHC has gone 7000 miles, my fault, yes, and then was down 1 qt.

I am suitably impressed by these engines. The '95 had 200K, the '99 160K, the '04 current drive, has 123K.

I do not use synthetic, but last 2 changes in the '04 have used Motorcraft Synthetic Blend, whatever the hell that really means. imp

Tarpman · May 12, 2012

Well I have an update on my problem. I called ford a couple of days ago and they must have called the dealer because the service advisor I always deal with called me today and asked if I was still having a problem with my engine. He said he talked to my friend in the parts dept and he's ordering a new engine for me and he'd call me next week and let me know when it'll be here. I told him that great as long as I'm not out of pocket for anything and I have a car to get to work, he said he'd take care of a rental to.

Exproblems · May 12, 2012

Tarpman said:
He said he talked to my friend in the parts dept and he's ordering a new engine for me and he'd call me next week and let me know when it'll be here. I told him that great as long as I'm not out of pocket for anything and I have a car to get to work, he said he'd take care of a rental to.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Good to hear this dealership is doing the right thing. Good luck with the new engine.

Tarpman · May 30, 2012

Update: pictures picking up my truck this morning. Dealer says ford wants to know how fast its using oil. Already did oil consumption test. Fact is its using it. Dealer wanted to drive it for about a week to put 500 miles on it, send it home with a mechcanic or something. I told him NO! Getting screwed again. Looks like I'll be calling ford

Tarpman · February 19, 2014

Been a while. Ford never replaced the engine, and I've got 5 months of warranty left. Doesn't matter now though. I changed plugs at 50,000 miles that factory had installed prior to shipping out motor. They were the wrong plugs. #5 cylinder was really bad , brunt oil built up electrode almost completely gone, other 5 looked normal. Put proper plugs in from Motorcraft, and made a cardboard tray put plugs in it and labeled each cylinder with date and mileage. Went to dealer and they tried to tell me that's normal. Dumb *****. Service manager says to check new one when I have around 4,000 miles on it. Did it and it's just as bad or worse. Took pics and put date and mileage on picture. Now after putting 34,000 or so miles on those plugs, one night it would barely run and could hardly drive down the street. Engine light came on so I ran code. Miss-fire cylinder #5 , huh, who knew. I changed the one plug, and runs fine again. Called Ford again to log another complaint, Finally got someone who knew what he was doing and actually gave a damn. Come to find out the dealer put the wrong engine in it 2.5 years ago. The engine they put in is for a 2002 and 2004 Mountaineer/Explorer. I asked what the difference was and he said he asked a Ford engineer the same and was told if he has a weeks vacation he could explain it to him, but the fact is they have different part # for a reason. Bottom line is Now Ford supervisor and reps are getting involved and sounds like they're pissed. Hopefully I'll be getting correct engine and new warranty. Sorry for long post, had to get that off my chest. lol

Exproblems · February 20, 2014

Tarpman said:
Been a while. Ford never replaced the engine, and I've got 5 months of warranty left. Doesn't matter now though. I changed plugs at 50,000 miles that factory had installed prior to shipping out motor. They were the wrong plugs. cylinder was really bad , brunt oil built up electrode almost completely gone, other 5 looked normal. Put proper plugs in from Motorcraft, and made a cardboard tray put plugs in it and labeled each cylinder with date and mileage. Went to dealer and they tried to tell me that's normal. Dumb *****. Service manager says to check new one when I have around 4,000 miles on it. Did it and it's just as bad or worse. Took pics and put date and mileage on picture. Now after putting 34,000 or so miles on those plugs, one night it would barely run and could hardly drive down the street. Engine light came on so I ran code. Miss-fire cylinder [URL=http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=5]#5 [/URL] , huh, who knew. I changed the one plug, and runs fine again. Called Ford again to log another complaint, Finally got someone who knew what he was doing and actually gave a damn. Come to find out the dealer put the wrong engine in it 2.5 years ago. The engine they put in is for a 2002 and 2004 Mountaineer/Explorer.

Tarpman,

was the new engine you had installed while ago, a Ford remanufactured engine rebuilt by Ford in Detroit and installed into your truck by a Ford Dealership in your area? I'm just curious because I had a remanufactured 4.0L engine installed into my EX late last year by a Ford dealership and my new engine came with new spark plugs as well. My engine runs and sounds okay (less than 2 k on it), but was wondering about your spark plug issue and specific year engine you needed for your year vehicle. If you are getting oil into cylinder #5 and it is fouling out that spark plug, I'm assuming you have some kind of piston ring problem, where oil is slipping by a damaged ring around that piston. Did your engine ever blow blue smoke out of the tailpipe or run rough from the day you had the new engine installed? Oil getting into that cylinder/combustion chamber shouldn't be that hard of a problem to sort out where it is coming from. Not sure why an incorrect spark plug would cause oil to get into that cylinders (#5 ) combustion chamber. I would think it would just misfire or run rough, but I'm no engine mechanic. I hope I don't run into any of those problems with my motor. Good luck with it and I hope Ford the company, does the right thing and gets you the correct engine for your vehicle at their cost. That dealership you dealt with sounds quite shady!

esclamada · February 20, 2014

that happened to my 07 toyota camry, I have to add more than half a quart every 3k miles. I don't feel it's right and have it tested in one of the toyota dealership, they say it's normal after 3 test. When I tried another toyota dealership, they noticed that I have a history of oil consumption test and asked me if it's still ongoing and I said yes. They did the test and confirmed that it's indeed consuming oil and the pistons need replacement. They could easily tell because of the oil in the chrome exhaust tip. Dealership experience really varies, some are competent and others are just lame.

-----------------------------------------------------------
MY MOUNTY
http://www.facebook.com/diyfordexplorer/photos_albums

Tarpman · February 20, 2014

Yes the engine was installed and bought from a local dealership near me. From day one they have never wanted to assume responsibility as far as the warranty goes and oil consumption problem. A couple of different people who work there acknowledge that there is a problem but they weren't somebody who could do anything about it. A Ford tech from back east told me that if you have the wrong spark plug depending on if its too hot I guess it could burn a hole or something like that in the piston or ruin the piston ring so oily can blow by that's just one cause if I understood it right. He did confirm that I had put the correct spark plugs in the new motor which is the same spark plugs I was using in my old motor. Also that Ford had shipped the remanufactured motor with wrong spark plugs installed. There is definitely an internal problem with this motor but the fact remains that they still put in the wrong motor even though it is the same engine family according to the Ford techs it is the wrong motor, this motor is for a 2002 Explorer or a 2004 Explorer and apparently there is some kind of a difference internally. 2 years ago the dealership wanted me to bring back the vehicle so they could get some numbers off of the engine they said they needed something off of it so they can order the new engine I didn't understand and questioned it I said you have my VIN number that's all you need I went down anyway set there for an hour they brought me back my vehicle I left I think they figured it out then that they had put the wrong motor in it and they were hoping that I would just go away I have news for them I don't just go away. I will see this through to the end. I feel like I'm on a mission now. Lol

Exproblems · February 20, 2014

Tarpman said:
A Ford tech from back east told me that if you have the wrong spark plug depending on if its too hot I guess it could burn a hole or something like that in the piston or ruin the piston ring so oily can blow by that's just one cause if I understood it right. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I think they figured it out then that they had put the wrong motor in it and they were hoping that I would just go away I have news for them I don't just go away. I will see this through to the end. I feel like I'm on a mission now. Lol

Okay I got it. The wrong plug damaged the piston or rings some how and caused the oil blow by problem. Hearing this makes me want to go out and replace the plugs in my new motor ASAP. I can't go into more detail than this openly, because these repair shops monitor these posts and advertise on forums like this, but I've had a "few issues" with my new motor and have had to take it back to the dealership for repairs a few times under my engine warranty. I'm not happy with them trust me on that.
I agree with what you are doing, don't let them get away with it. Not when you spent all that money for that new motor. Thanks for the info and good luck.

Exproblems · February 20, 2014

esclamada said:
that happened to my 07 toyota camry, I have to add more than half a quart every 3k miles. I don't feel it's right and have it tested in one of the toyota dealership, they say it's normal after 3 test. When I tried another toyota dealership, they noticed that I have a history of oil consumption test and asked me if it's still ongoing and I said yes. They did the test and confirmed that it's indeed consuming oil and the pistons need replacement. They could easily tell because of the oil in the chrome exhaust tip. Dealership experience really varies, some are competent and others are just lame.
]

I find it amazing some dealerships take us customers as fools by saying it is normal for a new engine to consume oil. That's total BS! I wouldn't be able to work in a dealership service desk job, lying to customers about repairs and cheating them out of their money just to make a living. Not me. I guess they hire people with no conscience. :shifty_ey

Tarpman · March 13, 2014

Just picked up my truck today with the correct engine installed. Believe me I checked everything, namely the metal tag on drivers side that has part number and rebuild date stamped on it. The problem I have now is they say that warranty is only for the remainder of my previous warranty, which is only until end of July this year. I'll have to check into that. Of course I feel I should have a new warranty to protect myself. Keeping my fingers crossed that I have no more problems. Glad to have my 11 year old truck (360,000+ mile) back. Had a hyundi elantra for rental, decent fun little car, but like my old SUV better.

oil consumption

Tarpman

Well-Known Member

jrford

Explorer Addict

Exproblems

Explorer Addict

Tarpman

Well-Known Member

Exproblems

Explorer Addict

Tarpman

Well-Known Member

Exproblems

Explorer Addict

imp

Explorer Addict

Tarpman

Well-Known Member

Exproblems

Explorer Addict

Tarpman

Well-Known Member

Tarpman

Well-Known Member

Exproblems

Explorer Addict

esclamada

Well-Known Member

Tarpman

Well-Known Member

Exproblems

Explorer Addict

Exproblems

Explorer Addict

Tarpman

Well-Known Member

Featured images

Featured images

Similar Threads